Latest news with #NorthStarPromise
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
University of Minnesota approves largest tuition hike in a decade amid US education funding crisis
University of Minnesota approves steep tuition hike amid US funding crisis. (AI Image) The University of Minnesota (U of M) Board of Regents has approved the largest tuition increase in more than ten years, marking a significant development in the landscape of US higher education. In a 9-3 vote held on June 18, 2025, the board adopted a budget for fiscal year 2026 that includes tuition increases across all campuses and cuts to academic spending. The decision comes as the university faces a steep reduction in federal and state support, with leaders citing an 'uncertain financial landscape' and warning of tough decisions ahead. As reported by KSTP, University President Rebecca Cunningham told the board that 'higher education is facing unprecedented challenges' and emphasized the need to ensure financial stability despite the difficult choices involved. Tuition hike affects students across all campuses Under the new budget, undergraduate tuition will increase by 4% to 7.5% depending on the campus. Graduate students will see tuition rise by 6.5% for residents and 7.5% for out-of-state students. According to KSTP, officials said this marks the steepest tuition hike in over a decade and is part of a broader effort to stabilize finances. The board also approved a 7% cut in academic spending, a move that has drawn concern from students and faculty. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo During a public hearing the week prior to the vote, members of the university community expressed fears about the impact these changes could have on education quality and employee well-being. Federal and state funding cuts deepen financial strain University officials warned that a potential 30% reduction in federal funding and a 3.5% decline in state funding (adjusted for inflation) are exacerbating budget pressures. Cunningham noted during the meeting, as quoted by KSTP, that 'we can all agree there are no easy choices this year.' Board member Doug Huebsch defended the vote, saying, 'Not everyone is going to be happy with this budget… but it is our job and obligation to deliver a budget that's balanced and as fair as possible,' as reported by KSTP. Low-income students promised protection Despite the hikes, university leaders stressed that low-income students will not be adversely affected. Thanks to programs like the North Star Promise and sustained scholarship and aid efforts, tuition increases will be offset for qualifying students. As per KSTP, the administration reassured the public that affordability remains a priority. The budget will take effect starting fiscal year 2026, as the University of Minnesota moves to navigate what leaders described as one of the most challenging periods for higher education in recent memory. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Minnesota county officials criticize Walz's human services budget; warn of high property taxes
Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls, and county leaders held a press conference on Feb. 19, 2025, to share how Gov. Walz's human services budget proposal will impact county budgets. Photo by Senate Media Services. Gov. Tim Walz's proposed health and human services budget would cut spending by about $1.3 billion over four years and would shift some costs to Minnesota's counties, causing property taxes to rise, some rural county officials said during a Capitol press conference Wednesday. Minnesota is spending more money than it's bringing in and faces a potential multi-billion dollar budget deficit beginning in 2027 if current trends continue. Walz last month proposed slowing increases on disability services, one of the major drivers of the state's escalating costs. Appearing with Senate Republicans, the county officials said the burden would fall to counties — and their taxpayers. 'Carlton County … calls on the governor to consider an alternative budget that does not shift the tax burden from the state to local governments, creating a disparate impact on more rural counties, especially,' said Carlton County Administrator Dennis Genereau. Minnesota's budget agency will come out with an updated budget forecast on March 6. Lawmakers will then work in earnest to draft a two-year budget and adopt or reject parts of Walz's budget proposal. Of particular concern for counties is Walz's proposal to establish a 5% county share for residential services paid through a state program known as disability waivers. Walz's budget estimates this will save the state about $400 million over the next four years. To cover the increased costs on the counties, they would need to raise property taxes, as many of the services are mandated by federal or state law and thus can't be cut. 'We really only have the one lever as the county to raise revenue, and that's the property tax levy. If anyone knows me, that's not my favorite thing to do,' said Dave Beer, chair of the Scott County Board of Commissioners. Walz's office didn't immediately respond to the Reformer's request for comment about the county officials' concerns. Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls, said during the press conference that Walz's budget doesn't actually cut spending but merely shifts it away from the state. Rasmusson said the state should focus on other areas to save Minnesota money, like cutting MinnesotaCare and free college for noncitizens, though neither would produce anywhere near the $400 million Walz is looking to cut in this area. The total cost of the North Star Promise program, which provides free college to Minnesota residents from households with less than $80,000 in income, was estimated to be $50 million per year when it passed in 2023, according to nonpartisan House research staff. In fiscal year 2023, the MinnesotaCare program paid $676.5 million for medical services, but 91% was paid for by the federal government, according to House research. 'Those are the places that we need to look at prioritizing instead of just putting more and more of the burden on property taxpayers,' Rasmusson said.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wide-ranging opposition meets new MN Care priority for GOP lawmakers
The Brief Pushing undocumented immigrants out of MN Care is a top GOP priority for 2025, one of the first ten bills rolled out by House Republicans. Rep. Isaac Schultz says his bill would save taxpayers $50 million a year. Opponents include the Catholic Church, farmers, and medical professionals. Their opposition ranges from moral to financial, with hospital leaders saying this just pushes the cost from primary care to emergency care, which they have to provide whether they get paid or not. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A top priority for Minnesota Republicans this year is to push undocumented immigrants out of the state health insurance system. GOP priority It was one of the first 10 bills from the House GOP, but it's running into an interesting coalition of opponents from all corners of the state. The sponsor says this bill can save Minnesota $50 million a year. But opponents include the Catholic Church, farmers, nurses, and doctors whose reasons range from moral to financial. 'Undocumented and expensive' Getting health insurance through Minnesota Care (MN Care) opened up to undocumented immigrants 48 days Isaac Schultz says it's already costing taxpayers money they can't afford. "People without lawful and legal status to be here have been signing up by the thousands, and it's quite possible that they're already beginning to overwhelm Minnesota Care while at the same time paying very low premiums or maybe not even paying premiums at all," said Rep. Isaac Schultz (R-Elmdale Township). How it's rolling out Since their eligibility is so new, the state doesn't know how many undocumented immigrants have applied for the low-cost insurance plan, but legislative analysts estimated fewer than 8,000 would sign up. Doctors and nurses say keeping them out comes with its own set of costs. "We do know that without coverage, however, fewer non-citizens will show up for primary care," said Mary Krinkie of the Minnesota Hospital Association. "At some point, however, they will likely need emergency room care." Hospitals have to treat everyone in the ER and Minnesota healthcare facilities spent $460 million on charity care in 2023 alone. Consequences of change? Medical professionals say shifting the burden from primary to emergency care will make rural hospitals more likely to close and ERs harder to access. So some of the bill's opponents say it's not about saving money at all. "It's about dividing us and as a distraction from the real issues that keep our families up at night," said Samantha Diaz of the SEIU. "Minnesotans are angry and feel the day-to-day impact of rising costs." The bill also prohibits undocumented immigrants from using any state-funded services, including the North Star Promise, which covers their college tuition if they graduated from high school here and are on the path to legal immigration status. That one cost the state $86,000 last year, according to Rep. Schultz.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Valentine's for immigrants: Know your rights during raids
The Brief Valentine's Day cards went out to Minnesota immigrants on Friday explaining their rights if they interact with ICE. Protests also spread across the state, starting in Rochester where at least one business closed its doors after ICE apparently arrested employees. Immigration enforcement officials have said they're targeting the most dangerous undocumented immigrants for arrest, but some of those arrested have no criminal record. (FOX 9) - Some Minnesota farmers and business owners are sending Valentine's Day cards showing more than just love to members of the immigrant community. Showing love They're giving instructions on how to handle interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Protests spread across the state on Friday, beginning at a Rochester restaurant that closed on Thursday after ICE arrested two employees showing up for say the arrests directly hurt the men and Nupa Mediterranean Grill, but the aftershocks will hurt families and businesses statewide. "This is not replacing American workers," said Ryan Perez of the immigration support group COPAL. "These are businesses that are going to go down under. These are places that immigrants in the community are now free to shop at, afraid, too afraid to engage in the economy in Rochester because they're afraid of leaving their houses." Cost-cutting The Trump administration promised to crack down on illegal immigration and ICE agents are believed to have made several arrests in the Rochester area this week. Advocates say Republicans in Minnesota are also targeting immigrants, including with bills that would prevent them from getting free college through the North Star Promise. "We already know that over $86,000 of taxpayer dollars have gone to fund people who are here illegally," said Rep. Isaac Schultz (R-Elmdale Township). That program requires undocumented students to be on a path to legal immigration status after at least three years of high school in Minnesota. Farmers are fans Meanwhile, their parents are a driving force in revitalizing rural communities and economies, according to some farming groups. "They have been the backbone of our Minnesota food and farming system for many decades," said Beth Slocum of the Land Stewardship Project. The Immigrant Defense Network is monitoring ICE activity in Minnesota and expecting more soon. They delivered a list of rights for immigrants inside more than 14,000 Valentine's Day cards. "We are shifting the narrative, replacing fear with hope, division with unity, and hate with love," said Montha Chum, founder of MN8. Immigration enforcement officials have said they're targeting the most dangerous undocumented immigrants for arrest. But they're now facing a series of lawsuits accusing the administration of overstepping.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Minnesota State system sees growth in Post Secondary Enrollment Options students
Jan. 26—ROCHESTER — Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson addressed the growth of Post Secondary Enrollment Options students in higher education during a recent meeting with the Post Bulleting editorial board. These are students who attend college in their sophomore, junior and senior years of high school and can earn college credit equal to their first two years of college for free. They've become a growing part of the Minnesota State's student population. The challenge for high schools is that what started out as a trickle has now become more of a torrent. At Rochester Community and Technical College, the number of PSEO students has nearly doubled in six years from 601 students in spring 2018 to 1,121 students in spring 2024. Many of those students come from Rochester Public Schools. And because K-12 is financed on the basis of student numbers, a growing tide of RPS students taking PSEO means a greater loss of funding for the public schools. Last month, Rochester Superintendent Kent Pekel told school board members that RPS would no longer hold high schools harmless as it once did for students who take PSEO. The surge at the local level is mirrored statewide. From 2018 to 2023, the number of Minnesota high school students taking PSEO grew from 14,584 students to 21,165 students — a 45% jump. Concurrent enrollment programs — offerings where high school students take college-level courses in high school and the retain the funding — also grew but by not as much. In districts where student enrollment is declining, the situation can create a fierce competition for students. International Falls School District found itself in a bitter conflict for students with Minnesota North College — Rainy River, which is a next-door neighbor to the high school. "In a low population area, where we have a community college right next to a high school, (there was a war-like contest for students). It's better because they worked some things out," a college official said. On a brighter note, the Minnesota State system saw an 8% rise in student enrollment. That follows a 2.3% increase for the system in 2023. The increase comes after a slump lasting more than a decade that coincided with a decline in high school graduates. A big reason for the jump was that a new program providing free college tuition for Minnesota students took effect last fall. Called the North Star Promise, the scholarships are available to students and families with a gross income of $80,000. Olson said the North Star Promise was a reason for the enrollment boost. The scholarship opportunity clearly brought back students who otherwise felt priced out of a college education. But Olson said the national narrative of out-of-control higher education costs was never true for the Minnesota State system, where average annual tuition increases were modest and tuition was "actually going down" if adjusted for inflation. "Does that look like runaway tuition cost?" Olson said.
